AthChat

On the 48th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have Georgia State Representative, Spencer Frye, back on the pod. We discuss his new platform that he is releasing next week, the wins and losses of the special session, and the changing power structures under the gold dome Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy mer...

On the 47th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have Flagpole journalist Blake Aued back on the pod. We discuss the recent election cycle, the political dynamics of Athens, and what the next four years might look like with a new mayor and new commissioners. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://ww...

On the 46th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have District 5 Candidate Kimberly Bennett comes back on the pod. We discuss her runoff campaign, homelessness, affordable housing, and the idea of a (student) housing moratorium.  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ ...

On the 45th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have District 5 Candidate Craig Topple back on the pod. We discuss his runoff campaign, his style of leadership, and how many doors he’s knocking as election day gets closer.  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/     ...

On the 44th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards were at the Historic Morton Theatre hosting the Athens Mayoral Runoff Debate between candidates Tim Denson and Dexter Fisher.  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/      *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of t...

On the 43rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Athens-Clarke County Mayor, Kelly Girtz. We discuss Tuesday evening’s election results and the upcoming runoff elections. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/      *the views of the hosts do no...

On the 42nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 10 County Commissioner, Mike Hamby. We discuss Mike’s views on compromise and getting things done, homelessness in Athens-Clarke county, and his thoughts on the mayoral race. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www...

On the 41st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for County Commission District 5, Rick Stanziale. We discuss Rick’s multidecade service to Athens-Clarke County, his vision for density and growth, and his leadership style for making change.  *note that we had an audio issue, so there is a hard cut around 4 minutes into the episode. THANK YOU F...

On the 40th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for County Commission District 5, Kimberly Bennett. We discuss the interrelated issues of affordable housing, homelessness, and student housing. We also chat about the relationship between the public and developers and how to best create community spaces for everyone. Check out our merch store!...

On the 39th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for Governor of Georgia, Jason Esteves. We discuss Jason’s journey from middle school teacher to gubernatorial candidate, his vision for Georgia, and how he plans to win Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bon...

On the 38th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Mayoral candidate Tim Denson. We discuss Tim’s platform for Athens, how he would run commission meetings (Robert’s Rules!), and what his campaign is doing to win in May. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/s...

On the 37th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate, Craig Topple. We discuss Craig’s interesting path to living in Athens, his work as a pastor, and his motivations to be a community builder on the County Commission.  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy m...

On the 36th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the second Athens Mayoral Debate. Topics included the housing affordability, road safety, immigration policy, homelessness, student housing, community engagement, taxation, community funding, transparency, community engagement, environmental sustainability, zoning changes. You can also find a recording of our livestream...

On the 35th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 7 Commissioner Candidate, Ed Tolley. We discuss Ed’s long history in Athens, his 50-year+ law career, and his reasons for running for commissioner Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ ...

On the 34th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate Zander Mason. We discuss Zander’s roots in Athens, his vision for the county, and how he is differentiating himself from the three other candidates in D5. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https:...

On the 33rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Athens’ mayor, Kelly Girtz. We got a special call-in from State Rep. Spencer Frye who was ‘in session’ at the Georgia State House. We discuss ongoing project in Athens’, the unfolding legislative session at the State House, and Mayor Girtz’s optimism for this year.  Check out our merch store! Check out th...

On the 32nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Watkinsville’s mayor, Brian Brodrick. We discuss Brian’s service to the city of Watkinsville, thoughtful and swift city development facilitated by public-private partnerships, and more. Is Watkinsville more bike-friendly than Athens?   Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link f...

On the 31st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with the local outreach coordinator for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership, Matt Epperson. We discuss Matt’s role as local outreach coordinator, the various options for employee ownership models, and how these options can positively impact local, beloved businesses in Athens.  Check out our merch store!...

On the 30th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/   *the views of the...

On the 29th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with county commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes.   Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/ath...

On the 28th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the first Athens Mayoral Debate.  The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens. Topics included Housing Crisis and Solutions, Growth vs. Gentrification, Addressing Homelessness, Taxation and Public Services, Local Government and State Relations, Infrastructure and Project Delive...

On the 27th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Georgia State House District 121 candidate, Eric Gisler. We discuss the special election in December, important issues voters in District 121 care about, and what his strategy is for running a race when early voting starts later this month. ***Reminder: AthChat will be moderating the Athens Mayoral Debate...

On the 26th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 3 Commissioner, Tiffany Taylor. We discuss Tiffany being a 4th(!) generation Athenian, representing inner East Athens, and her nonprofit, Mothers of Black Sons. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/s...

On the 25th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Georgia House District 120 candidate, Suzanna Karatassos. We discuss issues that impact the state of Georgia, Suzanna’s strategy for connecting with rural voters, and the life of a content creator.  Suzanna’s campaign’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Suzanna-for-Georgia-61580609266395/   Check out o...

On the 24th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt. We discuss Dr. Gantt’s upbringing in Athens, her experiences as a school board member, and her vision for Athens  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/  *t...